mutemag.comMute Magazine2015-02-26T05:39:55Zhttp://mutemag.com/?feed=atomWordPressMutemaghttp://mutemag.com/?p=75872015-02-26T05:39:55Z2015-02-26T05:39:55ZToday’s Mute Music Moment of the Day is brought to you by Jazmine Sullivan. It’s nice to see Jazmine back and doing what she does best, writing and singing amazing music. “Forever Don’t Last” is featured on Jazmine’s latest album, Reality Show.

English singer-songwriter, Neon Hitch’s (yes, it’s her real name) life has been anything but ordinary. Her house burnt down the day she way born, causing her mother to purchase a caravan to live in. To get by, she and her family became street performers and artisans. Young Neon trained as a trapeze artist, stilt walker, and lived all around Europe, never really attending school – just learning from her mother. By age 15, she was already living on her own in India, and at one point, was even homeless. The self-proclaimed “gypsy-pop” artist is no stranger to hard work and struggle, although all she’s ever seemed to really want is to live a free, creative and fulfilling life.

After being signed to Warner Bros. Records by music industry powerhouse Kara DioGuardi and working with producer, Benny Blanco, Neon hit the music scene hard with a slew of re-worked cover songs, promo single, “Get Over U” (co-written by Sia), club hit, “Bad Dog”, #1 Billboard Dance hits, “Fuck U Betta” and “Gold” (co-written by Bruno Mars). She was also featured on the Gym Class Heroes’ hit single, “Ass Back Home.”

Neon Hitch was on her way to the top, and itching to release her debut album, Beg Borrow And Steal. Unfortunately, for some reason, Warner Bros. Records wasn’t itching quite as bad, and the album was shelved. Think that stopped Neon? Yeah, no! Instead of slipping to the wayside, Hitch released two mixtapes, Happy Neon and 301 To Paradise, and started on the road to take back her freedom.

In the spring of 2014, Neon announced that she was through with Warner Bros. Records, and starting, what she calls, a “fan label”! No guys in suits – just the fans running her label and supporting her music. Now in 2015, Neon is doing better than ever and gearing up to finally release her debut album, Eleutheromaniac.

Check out what Neon had to tell MUTE about her new “fan label”, the new album and her quest for musical freedom!

MUTE: A lot of our readers would know you from your hit single a few years back, “Fuck U Betta” and your feature on the Gym Class Heroes’ single, “Ass Back Home.” We know you’ve worked on quite a lot since then such as your mix tapes Happy Neon and 301 To Paradise, your split from Warner Bros. Records, your upcoming album, Eleutheromaniac, and your new fan label, #WeRNeon. Can you bring us up to speed on what your journey has been like?

Neon Hitch: I’m always making music, and I feel like I grow with every song I make. There is too much music for one album, so I’ve been picking my favorites and working on that. I’m working on my fan label, #WeRNeon, which is a concept where fans will replace all of the executives at a record label. Everyone is passionate because they are fans, and it’s an exchange of recognition. I have my fans doing artwork, lyric videos, and it’s a beautiful movement and mutual appreciation. I’ve also been shooting videos with an amazing video production company, and we’re planning on doing a music video for each song on the album, like a movie.

MUTE: That’s amazing!

Neon Hitch: Yeah! We just shot a video for my song, “Sparks.” That was a funny one because the song leaked, and I was like “fuck!” [laughs], but I decided to put it out anyway with a visual, so we just did a three-day shoot. It’s my proudest work yet, and I’m very excited about that. I also picked my second single, which is like a gay anthem – my world! We’re shooting the video for that soon too.

M: Cool! That sounds so exciting! We kind of know your background a little bit. You grew up on a bus, performed in the circus, and moved to India when you were very young. Can you tell us how your unconventional upbringing has shaped you as a person and ultimately, as an artist and performer.

NH: Yeah, I’ve never really been one to fit into a crowd. That is sometimes great and sometimes really hard because I don’t see things the way other people see them. It can be tough, but I guess for my art, it’s amazing! It makes my art unique, and I’m never short of stories to talk about in songs. Lyrics are always flowing! My dress sense is far from ordinary! I guess your upbringing makes you who you are. For me, it’s really made me a true inside-out artist, and there’s not really anything else that I would be so good at, so the universe kind of chose my path, and my whole upbringing has been training.

M: Your debut album on Warner Bros. Records was supposed to be Beg Borrow And Steal. You kind of had a dance-pop sound with the songs you were writing for that album. Unfortunately, the album was never released, and you gravitated to what you call a “gypsy-pop” sound. Was there a reason you changed your sound and direction, or do you feel like that [“gypsy pop”] was already inside of you?

NH: I’m a Gemini, and I have many sides to me. When I was shopping around for a record deal they tried to fit me into a certain box and relate me to certain artists. That was really tough because I’m a little bit of everything and everybody, you know? There’s many musical sides to me, and as a creative person, I like to create all types of music! If an album gets held up, I’m on to the next thing! Now, with the position I’m in, with my freedom, and where the music industry is now, I don’t have to follow the rules! I’m just excited to put music out because I have songs for days!

M: Related to that question, I know when “Fuck U Betta” was released, a lot of people were shocked and thought it was really raunchy! It had a kind of a pop/dance sound. Also, songs like “Gold” and “Bad Dog” were pop/club tracks. Then, you released your Happy Neon mixtape. One of my favorite songs on that mix tape was “Midnight Sun”, which I felt really showcased your vocal abilities. Another song was “Pink Fields.” There’s a line in that song I love: “Finding ways to kill pain/Shiny things go deeper/If I go much further/Amy, soon I’ll see ya.” That touches base on severe depression and the death of your friend and former roommate, Amy Winehouse. Those lyrics really showed the depth of your writing style and you as an artist. You’re not just an average pop artist. Also, with the 301 To Paradise mixtape, you showcased your “gypsy-pop” style and the fact that you aren’t just one type of genre. You go in and out of many.

NH: Exactly! I’m a musical kaleidoscope, and I’m always changing! Recently, I have been doing a lot of dance records and features. I’ve done a song with Cash Cash and something with Breathe Carolina. I’m always doing those projects because it’s fun, but as an artist and with the pain I have inside of me, I have to get it out! I have to go deeper and do both; otherwise, I’m not satisfied! I love club records, but you can only dig so deep with your lyrics in those types of songs. I don’t have to be one genre., I am Neon!

M: Musical freedom, right?

NH: That’s it!

M: As you’ve hinted at in your song “Jailhouse”, being signed to a major label isn’t as glamorous as it seems! Like you said, rather than just slip away, you moved on to other things, even working on your mixtapes while you were still technically signed. Was it hard for you to do?

NH: I just got to a point where I was maxed out on frustration, you know? I just realized that they weren’t paying attention and wouldn’t even notice if I put mixtapes out [laughs]! So I just put them out! They kind of backed it and weren’t mad at me because they knew they weren’t doing that much! It was frustrating and tough being limited, but it’s still good to have those funds behind you. Being an independent artist is not easy either, you know what I mean? You need money, that’s it! Bottom line! I just feel like the future of music is technology, so I’ve been getting into that, and I’m excited about my new fan label. It’s giving me life!

M: Do you ever feel that you would sign a major label deal again?

NH: I would never say no to anything. I’m a free spirit, and if something feels right, I will do it! I’m not going to give up on my project, but I’m not against meeting with labels. I actually haven’t met with any labels since I parted ways with Warner Bros., so it would be interesting to see what would happen if I did.

M: You arguably have the first fan label. I’ve never really heard of anything like that before. You also weren’t afraid to try crowd funding with your Indiegogo campaign. Do you think more artists will catch on and try it? Are you trying to start a revolution [laughs]?

NH: Umm, I guess, but it’s not for every artist. It takes massive balls, which I have! I’m pretty fearless, and I tend to not give so much of a fuck [laughs], you know? As long as I’m creating and expressing myself, then I’m doing the right thing.

M: That’s great! Speaking of your fan label, it seems like you’re very close with your fans. Like you said, a lot of them have worked on cover art for you, you’ve had them on your tour bus and in videos. It seems like they’re your family.

NH: Oh, they are my family! I don’t have any family in America.

M: That’s very respectable! You don’t see a whole lot of artists like that. There are some artists, big or small, who try to reach out and remain close with their fans, some can and some can’t. I just think it’s great that you’ve remained so grounded.

NH: Oh, for sure! You have to have respect for the people who made you who you are! They’re my friends and my family. I feel like, out here, everyone is a new person to me. Sometimes my fans are the only ones who really know me, and sometimes, they know me better than myself.

M: That’s really great! Speaking of the fans, they are very anxious for the new album, Eleutheromaniac. Personally, I’m very excited for your collaboration with Jon Bellion on the song “London.” I’ve known about Jon for years due to a friend, and knew that guy would blow up! We’ve featured him in MUTE Mag a few times. Another is Poison Ivory. It’s been rumored that you’ve been writing with her. Are there any other collaborations you’re excited to finally share?

NH: I wrote the song “Eleutheromaniac” with Poison Ivory. I have a fan on a song. I’ve also worked with a bunch of really amazing producers! I found this one producer randomly in Puerto Rico in the rainforest. I gave him the acapella to my song “Freedom” to see what he could do with it. I love his remix so much that I’m going to make it the official version now. That’s going to be the next song I put out. I think you’re going to love it! I’m also going to have him do more work.

M: Wow! That’s amazing!

NH: I’m all about giving new people opportunities! There’s so much great talent out there that people never see.

M: In the past, you’ve collaborated and written with people like Sia, Bruno Mars, Kesha, Greg Kurstin. What is your studio process like? Are you hands-on with the production and engineering side? Do the music or lyrics come first? Can you tell us about that?

NH: I usually know exactly what I want. I can hear it. I’m the type of producer where I’ll direct the musician. “Play it like this,” or “make the 808s like this.” I kind of have more of an of old-school producer style. It’s always a different process though. Sometimes I’ll have something to say, and it’ll sprout from that, or sometimes, I’ll just have a beat. I just worked with the producer, J Gramm. We just started with a beat and came up with this dope, fun idea. It’s always different.

M: Yeah, from my experience working in studios and writing songs, it’s always just great to go off of the energy and vibe of people. Just let things flow.

NH: For sure. Definitely!

M: You recently released the single “Sparks” from the upcoming album, and like you said, you shot a video for it. It’s a very epic, anthem-like song. You said, you know what the next single will be too. Do you know how many singles you plan to release before dropping Eleutheromaniac?

NH: Umm, probably three. Yeah. We’re working on all of the videos now. I’m so excited to show you guys the “Sparks” video. Oh my God! It’s great!

M: A few moments ago, you picked a thrift store over shopping for designer clothes during a little game we played (*MUTEHeads, look out for it in our next print issue*). At MUTE Mag, aside from music, we focus heavily on fashion. You have a very different and unique sense of style. Do you ever see yourself breaking into the fashion world? Also, are there any other projects besides music that you’re working on?

NH: For sure, yeah! Definitely! I have no idea who’s cool or what’s hot on the street, but I know how to dress right and express myself through my attire. I’d definitely love to get into that more. Aside from music, I’m just learning the business side of things. I’m becoming an entrepreneur! It’s quite exciting because I never even went to school [laughs]!

NH: Yeah! Keep up to date by following me on Twitter and Instagram – @NeonHitch. For any inquiries, email: ContactNeonHitch@gmail.com. Also, look out for the “Sparks” video that is going to drop any day now, and the next song that I will be releasing which is “Freedom!” I have a great video concept and will need everyone to be involved!

M: Just one last word for you. When you were a child, you and your family were featured in a BBC Documentary about travelers and children who grew up the way you did. In that documentary, there is something you said that you then sampled for the intro on your 301 To Paradise mixtape. You said, “I want to see in the headlines… Neon.” That line gives me goosebumps because you really did it, and I think we will be seeing a lot more of Neon in the headlines and in a very positive way. You’re creating a musical revolution. It really is all about musical freedom, not censoring yourself too much, and expressing yourself in a positive way.

NH: That’s really sweet. I really appreciate that. Thank you so much!

Check out Neon’s new single, “Sparks” and be sure to look out for the video, coming soon!

]]>0Mutemaghttp://mutemag.com/?p=75692015-02-24T05:35:53Z2015-02-24T05:35:53ZToday’s Mute Music Moment of the Day is brought to you by Fashawn. “Guess Who’s Back” is featured on The Ecology album and was produced by Beewirks.

]]>0Mutemaghttp://mutemag.com/?p=75662015-02-19T14:52:21Z2015-02-19T14:52:21ZToday’s Mute Music Moment of the Day is brought to you by Chelsea Reject featuring CJ Fly of Pro Era and T’Nah Apex. Enjoy!

]]>0Mutemaghttp://mutemag.com/?p=75612015-02-14T15:53:21Z2015-02-14T15:53:21ZToday’s Mute Music Moment of the Day is brought to you by Tori Kelly. Check out the very cool art inspired official lyric video below.

Jeantrix has been in the game making customized kicks and threads for years now. Founded by N¥ce and HØmm, the pair began their journey as a hobby but soon realized that they struck gold and have been curating their own brand ever since. Jeantrix has been featured in various publications and on television programs, including Elle Magazine and BET, and have continued to build their brand while moving toward accomplishing all of their goals as designers and artists.

Most recently, the duo had a chance to team up with folks over at The Dr. Martens and held a customization event in Philadelphia. I spoke with co-founder, HØmm, who took a few moments to talk to me about the collaboration and give me a glimpse of what’s coming up next for the brand.

Mute: How did the collaboration with Dr. Martens come about?

HØmm: This has always been a dream of ours, to collaborate with Dr. Martens. After our Art Revolution [Fashion Exhibit] which was sponsored by Dr. Martens, the relationship grew. Actually, one of the employees that work here [Dr. Marten store] came to that show and she had a hand in helping us out with bringing this event to the store. Dr. Martens usually doesn’t sponsor different brands but they sponsored us and let us hold our event here at the store.

Mute: Where do you see this relationship going with Dr. Martens?

HØmm: We plan on having more events and to one day actually collaborate on a Dr. Martens Boot. Next up for us is getting to LA to bring them our vibe.

For now Jeantrix is happy to see one of their dreams manifest itself into the Dr. Martens x Jeantrix Free Customization Event at the Dr. Martens Walnut St. store in Philadelphia. People were lined up waiting to get their Dr. Martens boots customized by HØmm or N¥ce. Upon my arrival to the Dr. Martens Store I spotted N¥ce in the back of the store, busy at work hand painting a waiting customers’ boots. One guy even took his Dr. Martens boot off his foot to have it customized, now that’s loyalty to Jeantrix and their artistry that never fails.

]]>0Mutemaghttp://mutemag.com/?p=75412015-02-12T16:00:44Z2015-02-12T16:00:44ZPresented by drummer and band director, Swiss Chris, “Poetry of Riddim” took the stage at legendary jazz club, Blue Note in Manhattan Monday night. With Swiss on drums, accompanied by a full band, a harpist, vocalists, dancers and emcees, the performance was full of surprises and good energy.

The night kicked off with a drum solo introduction, followed by an educational and entertaining journey that explored the seven chakras using music, dance, and poetry.

Swiss Chris has worked with and toured with everyone from Public Enemy, to John Legend, and Mary J. Blige. Check out the “Swiss Chris in Industria 88″ video below to get an idea of just how busy he gets on the drums.

]]>0Mutemaghttp://mutemag.com/?p=75342015-02-10T16:25:17Z2015-02-10T16:25:17ZToday’s Mute Music Moment of the Day is brought to you by Dead Sara. “Mona Lisa” is featured on the band’s forthcoming album, Pleasure To Meet You.

Curated by Yelanie Rodriguez in collaboration with Haiti Cultural Exchange (www.haiticulturalx.org), the opening reception for “La Lucha: Quisqueya & Haiti, One Island” took place at the Rio Penthouse Gallery I this past Friday.

Located in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, the gallery was jam packed with art enthusiasts, artists, friends and family, all taking in the amazing work. Pictured to the left is Haitian American abstract artist Sophia Domeville and her piece entitled, “La Memoire”. With this piece, Domeville wanted to address mental health issues in Haitian and Dominican communities (see more of Sophia’s work here).

The exhibit is running until February 27th and will feature an Artist Talk on February 21st. Here’s what the organizers of the event had to say about “La Lucha: Quisqueya & Haiti, One Island” – “Artists aim to bring together an island divided. Twenty-seven Artists from both sides of the island have united in this collective exhibition “La Lucha: Quisqueya & Haiti, One Island to educate the viewers and ourselves, about the history of the land in which modern day Dominican Republic and Haiti reside. We want to spark a conversation between both sides of the island.”

Check out some of the fascinating artwork and photography below, but be sure to stop by the gallery to see everything in person; there is a lot to be seen and discussed. A #MuteSalute goes out to Yelanie Rodriguez and Haiti Cultural Exchange for putting this thought provoking and much needed exhibit together!

“Vendeur de Papita/Plantain Chips Vendor” By MC Alexander Ciceron

“Quisueyanos Valientes” by Jonathan Schmidt

“Rescape/Survivor” by MC Alexander Ciceron

“Citizenship Revoked” by Pepe Coronado

“La Memoire” by Sophia Domeville

]]>0Mutemaghttp://mutemag.com/?p=75182015-02-07T15:11:13Z2015-02-07T15:10:45ZToday’s Mute Music Moment of the Day is brought to you by LIGHTS. “Running With the Boys” is featured on her latest album, Little Machines, available here: http://smarturl.it/littlemachinesitunes